WITH Indian influences spreading worldwide, this is a topical drama about a family trying to establish itself in the U.S.

WITH Indian influences spreading worldwide, this is a topical drama about a family trying to establish itself in the U.S.

Born in New York, young Gogol (Kal Penn) grows up wanting to change his name until he learns the story behind it.

Directed by Mira Nair (Vanity Fair), The Namesake shows how the relationships between parents and children can yo-yo over the years and, at its best, is an engaging account of how families can move half way around the world without losing their roots.

On the downside, it feels much longer than its 122 minutes despite some solid Indian location filming, which includes a wider view of the Taj Mahal than is often seen.